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Multiple security solutions

Security has become a vital consideration within the indoor office environment. Pilferage is a worldwide problem, and certainly not unique to this country. However, by managing the system better, problems of shrinkage can be drastically reduced.

"Our experience in the industry has shown that by managing the problem better, retailers can reduce shrinkage significantly - up to 86% in some instances," says Neil O'Reilly, MD of Advanced Technologies. According to O'Reilly, effective management involves a two-pronged approach - it is important to keep staff members in the loop with regular training, and it is vital to install an effective electronic article surveillance (EAS) security system.

O'Reilly explains that the latest EAS development is radio magnetic (RM) technology, which combines radio frequency (RF) and magnetic technologies. RM is suitable for clients who need both technologies available within a single antenna. The advantage of RM technology for large supermarkets is that they can use magnetic technology to track items such as CDs and DVDs, and then use RF tags on items in the rest of the store. One RM unit at the store exit will then pick up both types of tags. This means music items can now be paid for at either the music bar or at any other cashier, without inconveniencing the shopper in any way.

Another EAS option is acoustomagnetic technology. The antennae can span a distance of 3 m, which means the supporting poles can be placed up to 3 m apart, making the AM system ideal for large retail outlets with wider doors.

This becomes less intrusive for customers who are hardly aware of their presence as they enter the store.

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